Rolled adhesive tape having transverse edge slits

ABSTRACT

In a preferred form, this disclosure relates to a pressure sensitive, vinyl backed roll of adhesive tape whose opposite sides or side faces are slit in a particular pattern such that when the tape is unrolled its opposite side edge portions are transversely slit at longitudinally spaced locations so as to enable the tape to be easily torn transversely thereof. This disclosure also relates to a method for slitting the tape by providing a roll of tape and then cutting the sides of the roll with a cutting means to provide a plurality of slits in a particular pattern extending transversely across the side of the roll and inwardly from the side a predetermined depth.

ROLLED ADHESIVE TAPE HAVING TRANSVERSE EDGE SLITS Inventors: John S.Kiley, Rumson, N.J.; Robert C. Jason, Warren, Ohio Assignee: GeneralMotors Corporation,

Detroit, Mich.

Filed: June 1, 1972 Appl. No.: 258,742

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 93,141, Nov. 27, 1970,Pat. No. 3,688,617.

11.8. C1. 206/58 llnt. Cl B65d 85/67 Field of Search 206/58, 59 CReferences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1942 Stephenson 206/58 11 July24, 1973 2,508,855 5/1950 Brown 206/58 UX Primary Examiner-LeonardSummer Attorney-W. E. Finken and W. A. Schuetz In a preferred form, thisdisclosure relates to a pressure sensitive, vinyl backed roll ofadhesive tape whose opposite sides or side faces are slit in aparticular pattern such that when the tape is unrollled its oppositeside edge portions are transversely slit at longitudinally spacedlocations so as to enable the tape to be easily torn transverselythereof. This disclosure also relates to a method for slitting the tapeby providing a roll of tape and then cutting the sides of the roll witha cutting means to provide a plurality of slits in a particular patternextending transversely across the side of the roll and inwardly from theside a predetermined depth.

ABSTRACT 2 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures Patented July 24,, 1973 5Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented July 24, 1973 3,747,748

' 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ROLLED ADHESIVE TAPE HAVING TRANSVERSE EDGE SLITSThis is a Division of Ser. No. 93,141, filed Nov. 27, 1970 now U.S. Pat.No. 3,688,617.

The present invention relates to a roll of tape whose opposite sides areslit in the particular pattern such that when the tape is unrolled itsopposite side edge portions are transversely slit at spaced longitudinallocations, and to a method for slitting the tape.

Heretofore, adhesive tapes of various kinds have been provided withslits which extend inwardly from a side edge thereof at spacedlongitudinal locations. The provision of the slits facilitatestransverse tearing of the tape at the slits.

As far as known, these slits were individually cut into the tape atspaced longitudinal locations by a cutting means prior to the tape beingrolled up into rolls for shipment and use. A disadvantage of this methodis that it requires numerous cutting operations and thus, is arelatively slow method. Also, in the case of elastically backed adhesivetape, such as vinyl backed tape, the cutting of the slits in the tape issomewhat difficult.

Thepresent invention overcomes the above-noted difficulties by slittingthe tape subsequent to the tape being rolled into a roll. This isaccomplished by cutting one or both sides of the rolled tape to providea roll of tape whose side or sides have a plurality of lineartransversely extending slits in a predetermined pattern and which arecut to a predetermined depth so that when the tape is subsequentlyunrolled its side edge or edges will be transversely slit at spacedlongitudinal locations.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved roll tape, preferably a vinyl backed tape having a pressuresensitive adhesive on one side, in which at least one side of the rollhas a plurality of slits which are linear, extend transversely of theside and which are cut to a predetermined depth whereby when the tape isunrolled from the roll it is transversely slit from one side edgethereof at longitudinally spaced locations so as to enable it to beeasily torn transversely thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedroll of tape, as defined in the preceding object, and wherein the sideof the roll of tape is slit in a criss-cro'ss pattern so that when thetape is unrolled the side edge will be slit at unevenly spacedlongitudinal locations.

A further object is to provide a new and improved roll of tape, asdefined in the first object, and in which the side of the roll of tapeis slit along radial lines at spaced annular locations and withalternate ones of the slits extending from the outer circumference ofthe roll to approximately half-way the length of the other slits wherebywhen the tape is unrolled the side edge will be slit at substantiallyequally spaced longitudinal locations thcrealong.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved method for producing tape, preferably a vinyl backed tapehaving a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, having longitudinallyspaced transversely extending slits extending inwardly from at least oneside edge thereof and which includes the steps of providing a roll oftape and then cutting at least one side of the roll of tape with acutter means to provide a plurality of linear slits extendingtransversely across the side of the roll and inwardly from the plane ofthe side to a predetermined depth whereby the roll when subsequentlyunrolled will have transverse slits at spaced longitudinal locations.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved method, as defined in the next preceding object, and in whichthe side of the roll of tape is first cut to provide a first pluralityof parallel spaced, transverse slits and then cut to provide a secondplural ity of spaced parallel, transverse slits extending transverselyof or normal to the first plurality of cuts to provide a criss-crosspattern.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved method, as defined in the penultimate object, and in which theside of the roll of the tape is cut along radial lines and withalternate ones of the radial lines extending inwardly from thecircumference of the tape a distance less than the other lines so thatwhen the tape is subsequently unrolled it will have transverse slits atsubstantially equally spaced longitudinal locations.

The present invention further resides in various novel constructions andarrangement of parts, and further objects, novel characteristics andadvantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art to which it relates and from the following detailed descriptionof the illustrated embodiments thereof made with reference to theaccompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in whichsimilar reference numerals or characters are employed to designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a roll of tape constructed inaccordance with the provisions of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the roll of tape shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for carrying out themethod of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a roll oftape constructed in accordance with the provisions of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the roll of tape shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side elevational view of an alternate apparatusfor carrying out the method of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7and looking in the direction of the ar' rows 8-8.

As representing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1of the drawings shows a roll of tape l0.'The roll of tape 10 is wound orrolled around a hollow mandrel or core 12 and has planar supposed sides13 and 14.

The tape 10 could be of any suitable or conventional construction anddoes not, per se, form a part of the present invention. Suffice it tosay that the tape preferably has an elastic backing, such as a suitablevinyl or polyvinyl chloride, and a suitable or conventional pressuresensitive adhesive applied to one side thereof.

Both sides or side faces 13 and 14 of the roll of tape 10 are cut orslit along spaced, parallel, linearly extending horizontal and verticalcut or slit lines 20 and 21. The spaced horizontal cut lines 20 extendtransversely across the entire sides 13 and 14 of the roll of tape 10and extend axially inwardly from the plane of the sides a predetermineddepth, preferably one-thirty-second to three-sixteenth of an inch. Thevertical cut lines 21 extend vertically across the entire sides 13 and14 and to the same depth of the horizontal cut lines 20. The horizontaland vertical cut lines and 21 extend transversely or normal to eachother and together define a criss-cross cut line pattern.

The cut lines 20 and 21 on the opposite sides 13 and 14 of the roll 10provide opposed transverse slits 22 extending inwardly from the sideedges of the tape at spaced longitudinal locations therealong when thetape is unrolled. The slits 22 extend normal to the side edge of thetape and enable the tape to be readily torn transversely thereof at theslits 22. The slits 22 are at unequally spaced longitudinal locationsalong the tape.

The present invention also provides a novel method for producing tapehaving its side edge portions transversely slit at spaced longitudinallocations. The method contemplates the steps of providing a roll of tape10, preferably vinyl backed adhesive tape, and then cutting at leastone, but preferably both, sides 13, 14 of the roll of tape 10 with acutting means or cutter apparatus to provide cut-lines extendinglinearly across the side or sides 13, 14 and inwardly thereofapredetermined depth.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an apparatus for carrying out the novelmethod of the present invention is thereshown. The apparatus broadlycomprises an endless conveyor for conveying the rolls of tape 10 to aninclined chute 32 from which they are fed by gravity in back to backfashion to a cutting mechanism 34.

The endless conveyor 30 could be of any suitable or conventionalconstruction and is hereshown as comprising an endless belt 35 trainedaround a drive pulley (not shown) and an idler pulley 37. The belt 35has a plurality of longitudinally spaced projections 38. The projections38 are received within the hollow mandrels l2 and serve to carry therolls of tape 10 upwardly to the upper end 39 of the chute 32. As theendless belt 35 goes around-the idler pulley 37, the rolls of tape 10fall off and are deposited on the chute 32. The rolls of tape 10deposited on the chute 32 slide down the chute in back to back fashiontoward the cutting mechanism 34.

The cutting mechanism 34 comprises a support frame 40. The support frame40 at its upper left side supports a first cutting means or assembly 42.The cutting assembly 42 comprises a generally U-shaped, fabricatedstationary support means 44 which is suitably secured to the frame 40.The support means 44 supports a pair of spaced, but vertically aligned,rotary cutters 45 and 46. The rotary cutters 45 and 46 are of the samediameter and each comprise a cylindrical body member 48 which is securedto a shaft 49 having its opposite ends rotatably journaled in bearings50 supported by the opposite side walls 51 of the support means 40. Theupper cylindrical body member 48 suitably carries a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced, axially and radially extending knives 52. Thelower cylindrical body member 48 suitably carries a plurality of axiallyspaced, annular radially extending knives 54. The knives 52 of the uppercutter 45 provide horizontal slits or cuts 20 in the side 13 of the rollof tape 10 and the lower knives 54 provide vertical slits or cuts 21 inthe side 13 of the roll of tape 10 as the roll 10 moves therepast.

The upper and lower cutters 45 and 46 are adapted to be simultaneouslydriven at the same rotary speed by a drive means 60. The drive means 60comprises an electric motor 61 whose output shaft is connected to asprocket wheel 62. The sprocket wheel 62 is drivingly connected tosprocket wheels 63 and 64 keyed to the shafts 49 of the cutters 45 and46 by a sprocket chain 65. Thus, when the motor 60 is energized both ofthe cutters 45 and 46 are rotated simultaneously and at the same speed.

The cutting mechanism 34 further comprises a second rotary knifeassembly which is of the same construction as the rotary knife assembly42, except that the second assembly 70 has a support means 72 which isslidably supported on upstanding ways (not shown) secured to the frame40. The parts of the assembly 70 which are identical to the parts of theassembly 42 have been given the same reference numerals. The supportmeans 72 of the assembly 70 carries a suitable nut (not shown) which isin threaded engagement with a threaded lead screw (not shown) having itsopposite ends rotatably journaled in the frame 40 and which is drivinglyconnected to a hand wheel 75. The right hand cutter assembly 70 can beadjustably positioned with respect to the left hand cutter assembly 42by suitably rotating the hand wheel 75 which causes the support means 72to slide on the ways toward and from the left hand cutter assembly 42.By being able to adjustably position the right hand cutter assembly 70with respect to the left hand cutter assembly 42, different width rollsof tape can be accommodated and cut.

The rolls of tape 10 slide down the chute by gravity and move betweenthe cutter assemblies 42 and 70. As they move between the cutterassemblies 42 and 70, the knives 52 of the upper rotary cutters 45horizontally cut the opposite sides 13 and 14 of the roll of tape 10 toprovide the horizontal slits 21. After passing between the rotarycutters 45, the vertically disposed knives 54 on the rotary cutters 46cut the opposite sides 13 and 14 of the roll of tape 10 to provide thevertical slits 20. After the opposite sides 13 and 14 of rolled tapehave been so cut, they fall by gravity into a hopper 80.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternate roll of tape 82 produced in accordancewith the provisions of the present invention. Corresponding parts of theroll of tape 82 will be given the same reference numerals as the roll oftape 10, but with a prime added thereto. The roll of tape 82 is of anidentical construction to the roll of tape 10 except that the sides 13and 14' are cut along cut or slit lines 83 and 84 which are linear andextend radially of the roll of tape 82. As shown in FIG. 5, alternateones 83 of the cut lines extend from the outer circumference of the tapeto the inner mandrel 12. The depth of the cut lines 83 and 84 is fromone-thirty-second to three-sixteenth of an inch. Alternate ones 84 ofthe cut lines also extend from the outer periphery of the roll of tape82 to a point intermediate, preferably half-way between, the outerperiphery and the mandrel 12. The cut lines 83 and 84 are equallyangularly spaced. The reason for providing alternate cut lines 84 whichare only half the radial extent of the other cut lines 82 is so thatwhen the tape is unrolled it will have opposed slits 22' atsubstantially equally spaced longitudinal locations. As can be seen fromFIG. 5, the length of tape between the cut lines 83 and 84 adjacent theouter circumference thereof substantially equals the angular distance ofthe tape between the cut lines 83 adjacent the inner circumference.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an apparatus 90 for carrying out a novel method forproducing the cut lines 83 and 84 in the roll of tape 82. The apparatuscomprises a stationary bottom member 91 having an upwardly extendingmandrel 92 which receives the hollow mandrel 12' of the roll of tape 82.The apparatus further includes a vertically reciprocable cutter 93 inthe form of a die which carries a plurality of knives 94 at spacedangular locations. The knives are of a length and arranged so as toproduce the cut line pattern shown in FIG. 5. The die 93 would besuitably carried by a ram of a press and be vertically aligned with thebottom member 91.

In operation, the roll of tape 82 would be placed on the bottom member91 and the cutter 93 then moved downwardly toward and against the side13' of the roll of tape 82. During this movement the knives 94 would cutinto the side 13 a predetermined depth to provide the cut line patternshown in FIG. 5. If desired, the other side 14 of the roll of tape 82can be identically cut.

Although the illustrated embodiment hereof has been described in greatdetail, it should be apparent that certain modifications, changes, andadaptations may be made in the illustrated embodiment, and that it isintended to cover all such modifications, changes and adaptations whichcome within the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A roll of tape of the type having an elastic backing, such as a vinylbacking, and an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, on oneside of the backing, said roll having planar opposite sides, a firstplurality of spaced parallel, linear, cut lines extending across one ofthe sides, a second plurality of spaced parallel, linear cut linesextending across said one of the sides and transversely of the firstplurality of cut lines, said first and second plurality of cut linesextending inwardly from the plane of the sides a predetermined depthwhereby said tape when unrolled will have slits extending transverselyfrom its side edge at unevenly longitudinally spaced locations so as toenable the tape to be easily torn transversely thereof at the slits.

2. A roll of tape as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and secondpluralities of cut lines extend perpendicular to each other and extendacross each of said planar opposite sides.

1. A roll of tape of the type having an elastic backing, such as a vinylbacking, and an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, on oneside of the backing, said roll having planar opposite sides, a firstplurality of spaced parallel, linear, cut lines extending across one ofthe sides, a second plurality of spaced parallel, linear cut linesextending across said one of the sides and transversely of the firstplurality of cut lines, said first and second plurality of cut linesextending inwardly from the plane of the sides a predetermined depthwhereby said tape when unrolled will have slits extending transverselyfrom its side edge at unevenly longitudinally spaced locations so as toenable the tape to be easily torn transversely thereof at the slits. 2.A roll of tape as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and secondpluralities of cut lines extend perpendicular to each other and extendacross each of said planar opposite sides.